Engaging with the community is one of new Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club general manager Jodie Faralla's top priorities as she settles into her new role. "My vision for the club is 'Ballarat greyhounds, where people love to work, race and participate'," she said. "There has been a level of disconnect between the club and some of the traditional supporters. "One of the great things about greyhound racing is that people, including several members of my family, have dedicated their whole lives to it. "They are invested in the place and now second and third generations of families are coming along," she said. "I see it as my role to bring my team of staff, the committee and club members closer together and for everyone to be working towards what is really important - the ongoing success of the club." Faralla wants to invite the people of Ballarat to get involved, enjoy the racing and develop a whole new community of greyhound supporters. She also wants to improve infrastructure at Morshead Park. "With fantastic facilities for patrons already in place, it is time to upgrade the original kennelling and car parking to 21st century industry standards," she said. Faralla joined the BGRC club in late July - likening it to a homecoming. She spent time at the track as a youngster, with her father Ron Hood secretary-manager from 1978 to 1990. Farralla has fond memories of being around the club as a teenager then moving to roles in the office, which included phoning race results to AAP. She then had roles in administration and the on-course tote while all the time working as a penciller with some of the Victoria's leading bookmakers. Her work with the bookies took her across the state covering gallops, harness and greyhound events. BALLARAT has its next race meeting on Saturday morning, with a 10-race program (see fields, Page 55). Like gallops and harness racing, greyhounds conitnue to race being closed doors in Victoria owing to COVID-19 restrictions.